Noelle Lazor '26G went from professional dancer to a doctorate — and learned that “relying on people is a gift to all”

Noelle and friends in scrubs standing and smiling next to a skeleton model in anatomy class.

I’m in the middle with fellow DPT students Anna Weldon-Moran and Alicia Nanna outside our gross anatomy classroom.


Program: Doctorate of Physical Therapy

What’s next for you 

I will be starting work at Evolve Physical Therapy of Rochester on June 1 and working towards my Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification!

This is a new career for you. What prompted the change?

I have a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance and danced professionally for years in New York City. I love performing, and I still perform, but there was a moment onstage one New Year’s Eve when I realized that a performance career required missing holidays and big events with family and friends.

I started teaching Pilates, which included learning anatomy, body mechanics, and somatic movement practices. Our training included guest speakers from specialties like neurology and spinal issues, which I really liked. After years of teaching, I realized that I wanted to delve deeper into working with people and movement and going back to school for PT was the answer. 

When I was younger, I’d thought of becoming a physical therapist and believed I could be good at it, but back then I wasn’t sure I could go all the way through a doctoral program. Later in life, I felt like I had the capacity to give it a try.

In PT school I was drawn to pelvic floor health. I did my last clinical rotation at Evolve Physical Therapy of Rochester and worked with patients including pregnant people and with men post prostatectomy. In pelvic health, we’re able to treat the whole person a little bit more than a traditional clinic. We check in on socioemotional health, orthopedic issues, and everything above, below and including the pelvis.

Noelle and a large group of friends posing in front of the Colosseum in Rome.

During spring break 2025, I went to Italy with other Naz DPT students to learn how other countries approach physical therapy and health care. We also visited historic sites like the Colosseum in Rome.


What are you most looking forward to in your life’s work?

I'm looking forward to helping people reclaim their lives, build autonomy in their care and health, and become more curious about their bodies and movement! Helping people regain their autonomy is rewarding.

 How have your Naz experiences shaped who you are today?

I had some very big life events happen during my time at Naz, and the students in my cohort and my professors tremendously helped get me through those times. 

In my first year of the doctorate, at age 29, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I got a phone call during class that I needed to start insulin immediately. Within five minutes, two professors were in the hallway checking in with me.

At the start of my second year, I got divorced and needed to support myself financially in new ways. Loans and public assistance were critical. 

Then last fall, SNAP benefits were paused while the federal government was shut down. I truly would not have made it through if it wasn't for the support of everyone involved in the DPT program — from bringing me meals and helping me find support services in the community, to finding me in the hall and offering a hug or kind words. It was extremely meaningful and heartwarming to know people have your back.

One of the things I’ve learned is we’re not meant to live this life alone. Relying on people is a gift to all. 

Noelle holding an Ipad with her dog Ellie sitting on her lap during class.
My dog, Ellie, is a great source of comfort, and I was able to bring her to class to help manage some emotionally challenging times. 

What lessons will you take with you from your Nazareth years?

I don't always have to show up as the best I have ever been. Each day you show up with what you have and that is enough. My 100% looks different day to day, and that is more than OK.

I’ve always had a strong drive to do things well, which started early when I began performing at age three. That same dedication carried into my academics, where I consistently pushed myself to excel. More than just achieving high marks, I’m motivated by a deep curiosity—I want to learn as much as I can so I can be genuinely useful to others and make a meaningful impact.

With everything I’ve gone through, I now realize your best is different day to day. Being human means being fluid and ever changing.

Who has had a great impact on you?

Teresa Zappia-Sinicropi (clinical assistant professor in physical therapy). When SNAP benefits were paused last fall, she made me meals, gave me groceries, and helped me find support services.

And honestly, all of them. The whole physical therapy team at Naz. 

Part of a graduating student profile series